Kramanation
WEAR KRAMA CAMPAIGN
Signature Cambodian Kramas and Silk Scarves
in action . . .
Whoa! Whoa! Let's keep this PG-rated (or here, BRHSG-rated). The krama protecting the family jewels. Artist Sopheap Pich in one of his krama boxers (he has 20+ made at a time!) at his Phnom Penh studio, July 2010 (Photo: Nicolas Axelrod). Sopheap is the first Southeast Asian to have full exhibition at the NY Metropolitan Museum of Arts.
Exhibition by Pen Robit on Street 178, July 2013
In
Pen Robit’s new series of work he investigates the iconic Cambodian
Krama (scarf). The Krama, traditionally used in Cambodia as an everyday
cloth which protects the body, is often associated with poverty and worn
by those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. It is also being
re-appropriated by new generations as a fashion accessory to identify
with a growing spirit of nationalism.
In the 12 paintings exhibited the Krama and its symbolic value are
deconstructed from portraiture to abstraction, from presence to absence,
revealing a play of meaning and signification. Expressive in colour and
technique the works also invite an empathetic response to the plight of
Cambodian people.
“I want to play with vision, so you look through and also see what is not there.” - Pen Robit
This is Pen’s second solo exhibition at Romeet Contemporary Art Space.
This body of work has been produced over an eight month period while the
artist has been residing in Phnom Penh. Last year Robit’s work was
shown as part of a group exhibition of Cambodian art at the East Gallery
in Canada. His work has also been exhibited at the Institute Francais
and Top Art in Phnom Penh, as well as Make Maek Gallery and Sammaki in
Battambang.
2 comments:
I thought it was krama condom.
This guy is direspecting Cambodian people by placing the Khmer krama scarf inside his zipper and on his croth......
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